Screw-in geothermal heat exchanger systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A method of installing a tubular heat exchanger into soil includes providing the tubular heat exchanger and screwing the tubular heat exchanger into the soil with an installation apparatus. The installation apparatus may be removed from the soil without removing the tubular heat exchanger from the soil.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/801,639, entitled SCREW-IN GEOTHERMAL HEATEXCHANGER SYSTEMS AND METHODS, and filed on Mar. 15, 2013, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Geothermal heat pumps have been developed that extract heat energy fromsoil and transfer the heat energy from the soil into a residential orcommercial building and thereby heat the building in cool ambientconditions. The geothermal heat pumps can also be used to transfer heatfrom the building to the soil and thereby cool the building duringperiods of high ambient heat. A significant cost in installing suchgeothermal heat pumps is the cost of installation of the heat exchangerin the soil. Various methods currently in use include boring a hole inthe soil and inserting a geothermal heat exchanger into the bore hole.The bore hole may further be filled in with grout. Other methods forinstalling such geothermal heat exchangers include digging a trench,laying the heat exchanger in the trench and then backfilling the trench.

SUMMARY

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofinstalling a tubular heat exchanger into soil includes providing thetubular heat exchanger and screwing the tubular heat exchanger into thesoil with an installation apparatus. The installation apparatus may beremoved from the soil without removing the tubular heat exchanger fromthe soil.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts uponwhich the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a screw-in geothermal heat exchangeraccording to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged elevation view, orthogonal to FIG. 2, ofthe screw-in geothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 4, as called out at FIG. 4, withan internal passage of the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger shown;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another screw-in geothermal heatexchanger according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 6, as called out at FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged elevation view, orthogonal to FIG. 8, ofthe screw-in geothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of still another screw-in geothermal heatexchanger according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchangerof FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger ofFIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a partial enlarged elevation view, orthogonal to FIG. 12, ofthe screw-in geothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of yet another screw-in geothermal heatexchanger according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is an elevation view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchangerof FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a partial enlarged elevation view, orthogonal to FIG. 16, ofthe screw-in geothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of still another screw-in geothermal heatexchanger according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is an elevation view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchangerof FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger ofFIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a partial enlarged elevation view, orthogonal to FIG. 20, ofthe screw-in geothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of yet another screw-in geothermal heatexchanger according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is an elevation view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchangerof FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchangerof FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a partial enlarged elevation view, orthogonal to FIG. 24, ofthe screw-in geothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of still another screw-in geothermal heatexchanger according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is an elevation view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchangerof FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger ofFIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a partial enlarged elevation view, orthogonal to FIG. 28, ofthe screw-in geothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a tool adapted to insert a screw-ingeothermal heat exchanger, for example the screw-in geothermal heatexchanger of FIG. 11, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 32 is an elevation view of the tool of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the tool of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a partial enlarged elevation view, orthogonal to FIG. 32, ofthe tool of FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 31, but with a cut-awayillustrating fluid passages;

FIG. 36 is a partial enlarged elevation view of the tool of FIG. 31further illustrating the cut-away of the fluid passages of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of yet another screw-in geothermal heatexchanger according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38 is an elevation view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchangerof FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a bottom plan view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchangerof FIG. 37;

FIG. 40 is a partial enlarged elevation view, orthogonal to FIG. 38, ofthe screw-in geothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 37;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another tool adapted to insert ascrew-in geothermal heat exchanger, for example the screw-in geothermalheat exchanger of FIG. 6, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 42 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 41, as called out at FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is an elevation view of the tool of FIG. 41;

FIG. 44 is a top plan view of the tool of FIG. 41;

FIG. 45 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 41, ascalled out at FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a partial auxiliary view of the tool of FIG. 41, as calledout at FIG. 44;

FIG. 47 is a partial enlarged elevation view, orthogonal to FIG. 43, ofthe tool of FIG. 41;

FIG. 48 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 47, as called out at FIG. 47;

FIG. 49 is a partial elevation view of still another tool adapted toinsert a screw-in geothermal heat exchanger, for example the screw-ingeothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 23, according to the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 50 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 49, ascalled out at FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 is a partial elevation view of yet another tool adapted toinsert a screw-in geothermal heat exchanger, for example the screw-ingeothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 23, according to the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 52 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 51, ascalled out at FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 51, ascalled out at FIG. 51;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the tool of FIG. 51, furtherillustrating slots;

FIG. 55 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 54, as called out at FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a cover adapted to protect a screw-ingeothermal heat exchanger, for example the screw-in geothermal heatexchanger of FIG. 6 when positioned on the tool of FIG. 41, according tothe principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 57 is a top plan view of the cover of FIG. 56;

FIG. 58 is an elevation view of the cover of FIG. 56 with a partialcross-section, as called out at FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 58, as called out at FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a partial enlarged elevation view, orthogonal to FIG. 58, ofthe cover of FIG. 56;

FIG. 61 is a top plan view of another cover adapted to protect ascrew-in geothermal heat exchanger, for example the screw-in geothermalheat exchanger of FIG. 6 when positioned on the tool of FIG. 41,according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 62 is an elevation view of the cover of FIG. 61 with a partialcross-section, as called out at FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 62;

FIG. 64 is a partial enlarged elevation view, orthogonal to FIG. 62, ofthe cover of FIG. 61;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 61;

FIG. 66 is another perspective view of the cover of FIG. 61;

FIG. 67 is still another perspective view of the cover of FIG. 61;

FIG. 68 is the partial enlarged elevation view of FIG. 64, but furtherincluding an inner tube within the cover of FIG. 61;

FIG. 69 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the cover of FIG. 61with the inner tube of FIG. 68, as called out at FIG. 68;

FIG. 70 is the elevation view of FIG. 62 with the partial cross-section,as called out at FIG. 68, but further including the inner tube of FIG.68 within the cover of FIG. 61;

FIG. 71 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 70, as called out at FIG. 70;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of still another cover adapted to protecta screw-in geothermal heat exchanger, for example the screw-ingeothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 23 when positioned on the tool of FIG.51, according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 73 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 72, as called out at FIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 72, as called out at FIG. 72;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a tool assembly of the tool of FIG. 41and the cover of FIG. 61 adapted to protectively insert a screw-ingeothermal heat exchanger, for example the screw-in geothermal heatexchanger of FIG. 6, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure, the tool assembly illustrated in an open configuration;

FIG. 76 is the perspective view of FIG. 75, but with the tool assemblyillustrated in a closed configuration;

FIG. 77 is a top plan view of the tool assembly of FIG. 75 with the toolassembly illustrated in the open configuration of FIG. 75;

FIG. 78 is a top plan view of the tool assembly of FIG. 75 with the toolassembly illustrated in the closed configuration of FIG. 76;

FIG. 79 is an elevation view of another tool assembly of the tool ofFIG. 51 and the cover of FIG. 72 adapted to protectively insert ascrew-in geothermal heat exchanger, for example the screw-in geothermalheat exchanger of FIG. 23, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure, the tool assembly illustrated in a closed configuration withthe screw-in geothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 23 installed;

FIG. 80 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 79, as called out at FIG. 79;

FIG. 81 is the elevation view of FIG. 79, but with the tool assemblyillustrated in an open configuration with the screw-in geothermal heatexchanger of FIG. 23 installed;

FIG. 82 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 81, as called out at FIG. 81;

FIG. 83 is a partial perspective view of the tool assembly of FIG. 79with the tool assembly illustrated in the closed configuration of FIG.79 with the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 23 installed;

FIG. 84 is the partial perspective view of FIG. 83, but with the toolassembly of FIG. 79 illustrated in the open configuration of FIG. 81with the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger of FIG. 23 installed;

FIG. 85 is a perspective view of still another screw-in geothermal heatexchanger and tool assembly according to the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 86 is a top plan view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger andtool assembly of FIG. 85;

FIG. 87 is an elevation view of the screw-in geothermal heat exchangerand tool assembly of FIG. 85;

FIG. 88 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the screw-ingeothermal heat exchanger and tool assembly of FIG. 85, as called out atFIG. 87;

FIG. 89 is a partial cross-sectional view normal to a helical tubesupport of a tool adapted to insert a screw-in geothermal heatexchanger, for example the tool of FIG. 49, according to the principlesof the present disclosure, the helical tube support including aninjection passage;

FIG. 90 is a partial cross-sectional view normal to a helical tubesupport of a tool adapted to insert a screw-in geothermal heatexchanger, for example the tool of FIG. 49, according to the principlesof the present disclosure, the helical tube support covered by a snap-onhelical cover in an installed configuration;

FIG. 91 is the partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 90, but with thesnap-on helical cover in a snapped-off configuration;

FIG. 92 is a schematic elevation view of a screw-in geothermal heatexchanger, a tool assembly, and an installation apparatus according tothe principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 93 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating theinstallation apparatus of FIG. 92 according to the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 94 is a schematic perspective view of a tube of a screw-ingeothermal heat exchanger according to the principles of the presentdisclosure, the tube illustrated with one-way barbs in a slidingconfiguration;

FIG. 95 is the schematic perspective view of FIG. 94, but with theone-way barbs in a gripping configuration;

FIG. 96 is a schematic plan view of a return fitting of a screw-ingeothermal heat exchanger, for example the screw-in geothermal heatexchanger of FIG. 85, according to the principles of the presentdisclosure, the return fitting illustrated with one-way barbs in asliding configuration; and

FIG. 97 is the schematic plan view of FIG. 96, but with the one-waybarbs illustrated in a gripping configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the principals of the present disclosure, a screw-ingeothermal heat exchanger system and methods of installing the screw-ingeothermal heat exchanger systems are illustrated and described. Thescrew-in geothermal heat exchangers may be connected to a geothermalheat pump and thereby exchange energy between soil in which the screw-ingeothermal heat exchanger is installed in a building in which climatecontrol provided by the geothermal heat pump is desired. The screw-ingeothermal heat exchangers typically include a tube that is screwed into the earth with a tool. In certain embodiments, the tool is removedthereby leaving the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger in the soil andallowing the tool to be reused in installing additional screw-ingeothermal heat exchangers. In particular, the tube typically includes afirst portion where flow continues further into the soil upon reachingan end of the first portion, the flow is returned through a secondportion where the flow is directed toward exiting the soil. In certainembodiments, a first tube may be used for the first portion and at anend of the first tube a return fitting may be connected between the endof the first tube and a beginning of a second tube. In certainembodiments, the return fitting is factory applied to the ends of thefirst and second tubes (i.e., the end of the first tube and thebeginning of the second tube) thereby providing a robust connectionbetween the first and the second tubes. In use, a heat-exchanging fluidis pumped into the first tube and subsequently out of the second tube. Afirst temperature (i.e., an inlet temperature) of the fluid going intothe first tube is different than a second temperature (i.e., an outlettemperature) of the fluid when it comes out of the second tube. If theoutlet temperature of the fluid coming out of the second tube is higherthan the inlet temperature of the fluid going into the first tube, thenheat energy has been delivered to the fluid from the soil. This heatenergy may be used to heat an interior of the building, used to heatwater, etc. Likewise, if the outlet temperature of the fluid exiting theoutlet of the second tube is lower than the inlet temperature of thefluid entering the inlet of the first tube, heat has been transferredfrom the fluid to the soil. The heat being transferred to the soil maybe heat rejected from the building by the heat pump. Rejecting this heatinto the soil may thereby cool the building.

A plurality of the screw-in geothermal heat exchangers may be usedtogether and fluidly connected to the same geothermal heat pump. Suchinstallations typically have a supply manifold that delivers fluid to aplurality of inlets and further includes a return manifold that gathersflow coming from a plurality of outlets of the plurality of screw-ingeothermal heat exchangers. In certain embodiments, the fluid may be arefrigerant and be processed through a thermodynamic cycle directly. Inparticular, the fluid may condense within the screw-in geothermal heatexchanger and thereby release heat to the soil. The fluid mayalternatively evaporate and thereby absorb heat from the soil throughthe geothermal heat exchanger. In other embodiments, a liquid may bepumped through the screw-in geothermal heat exchanger and a secondaryheat exchanger may transfer heat energy to and from the fluid of thescrew-in geothermal heat exchanger to a refrigerant and thereby heat orcool the refrigerant.

In certain installations, the collection manifolds and the supplymanifolds may be buried. The buried manifolds may exit the soil at asingle location. In other embodiments, the ends of the first tube andthe second tube may directly exit the soil. The same tubing that is usedin the first tube and the second tube may thereby be routed directly tothe heat pump.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-5, a heat exchanger loop 100 according to theprinciples of the present disclosure is illustrated. The heat exchangerloop 100 includes a first end 102 and a second end 104. As depicted, theheat exchanger loop 100 includes a first tube 120 and a second tube 140.The first tube extends between a first end 122 and a second end 124.Likewise the second tube 140 extends between a first end 142 and asecond end 144. As depicted, a return fitting 160 is included betweenthe first tube 120 and the second tube 140 at the second end 104 of theheat exchanger 100. In particular a first port 162 of the return fitting160 is connected to the first tube 120 and a second port 164 of thereturn fitting 160 is connected to the second tube 140. A passage 168connects the first port 162 to the second port 164. A center divide 166(i.e., a divide) may be positioned between the first port 162 and thesecond port 164. A tip 172 may be included on the return fitting 160. Aflange 170 may be included opposite the tip 172 on the return fitting160. The first port 162 and the second port 164 may be included on theflange 170. The tip 172 may be used to penetrate soil 2000 (see FIG. 92)when installing the heat exchanger loop 100 into the soil 2000.

As depicted, the heat exchanger loop 100 is routed along a helical path118 including multiple coils 114. Together, the multiple coils 114 andthe helical path 118 define a revolved shape 116. As depicted, therevolved shape 116 is in a form of a cone with a vertex V. The helicalpath 118 may define a pitch P. In particular, the pitch P may be a pitchPt of the tubes 120, 140. Each of the tubes 120, 140 includes aninterior 126 and 146, respectively. Likewise, each of the tubes 120, 140includes an exterior 128 and 148, respectively. The tubes 120, 140together define an outer surface portion 106 and an inner surfaceportion 108. The tubes 120, 140 together define an upper surface portion110 and a lower surface portion 112. As illustrated, the second end 104of the heat exchanger loop 100 stops short of the vertex V. In otherembodiments, the second end 104 may extend to the vertex V.

Turning now to FIGS. 6-10 another heat exchanger loop 200 according tothe principles of the present disclosure is illustrated. The heatexchanger loop 200 has similarities to the heat exchanger loop 100. Thesimilar features will typically not be redundantly described. The heatexchanger loop 200 extends from a first end 202 to a second end 204. Ahelical path 218 followed by the heat exchanger loop 200 is differentfrom the path 118 followed by the heat exchanger loop 100. Inparticular, a helix angle α is smaller for the heat exchanger loop 200when compared with the heat exchanger loop 100. Thus, a revolved shape216 of coils 214 of the heat exchanger loop 200 is conical, but with asmaller helix angle α compared with the cone of the revolved shape 116.

A return fitting 260 of the heat exchanger loop 200 may includeadditional features compared with the return fitting 160. The returnfitting 260 could also be used on the heat exchanger loop 100. Thereturn fitting 260 includes a flange 270. The flange 270 includes areleasable attachment feature 272. As depicted, the releasableattachment feature 272 is a pinhole. The releasable attachment feature272 and the flange 270 may be driven into the soil 2000 (see FIG. 92) bya tool as will be further described hereinafter. Upon reaching a desireddepth Dh in the soil 2000, the tool may be reversed (e.g., rotationallyreversed) and thereby disengage from the releasable attachment feature272 and the flange 270. The return fitting 260 may thereby be left inthe soil 2000 after serving as a soil penetrating device. In particularthe return fitting 260 may include the tip 172 (see FIG. 5). The tip 172may define a tip angle (see FIGS. 5 and 10). The tip 172 may effectivelybe driven into the soil 2000 by the tool and thereby pierce the soil2000.

Turning now to FIGS. 11-14, a heat exchanger loop 300 according to theprinciples of the present disclosure is illustrated. The heat exchangerloop 300 includes features similar to the heat exchanger loops 100 and200. The similar features typically will not be redundantly described.The heat exchanger loop 300 extends from a first end 302 to a second end304. As depicted, a helical path 318 of coils 314 of the heat exchangerloop 300 defines a revolved shape 316 in a shape of a cylinder. In otherembodiments, the revolved shape 316 may include other shapes (e.g., acone). Likewise, the revolved shapes 116, 216 may include the form of acylinder. A return fitting 360 of the heat exchanger loop 300 includesthe first port 162 and the second port 164. However, the first port 162is spaced farther from the second port 164 than a spacing depicted onthe heat exchanger loops 100 and 200. A center divide 366 (i.e., adivide) of the heat exchanger loop 300 is therefore larger than thecenter divide 166 of the heat exchanger loops 100 and 200.Correspondingly, a flange 370 is also larger than the flange 170 and theflange 270, at least in a dimension that extends between the first port162 and the second port 164. The flange 370 may be positioned, at leastpartially, between the first port 162 and the second port 164. Theflange 370 may include the releasable attachment feature 272 in certainembodiments.

As depicted, a connecting structure 380 is illustrated at the first port162 and the second port 164. The connecting structure 380 may take aform of an inside tube or an outside tube and may be part of the returnfitting 360. The connecting structure 380 may reinforce the connectionsat the first port 162 and the second port 164. A similar connectingstructure may be used on the heat exchanger loops 100 and/or 200. A tip372 of the heat exchanger loop 300 is depicted larger than the tip 172.As depicted, the first port 162 and the second port 164 are spaced suchthat the first tube 120 and the second tube 140 are spaced from eachother at a half pitch T. The first tube 120 and the second tube 140therefore follow a combined double helix path.

As depicted at FIG. 14, a seal 382 may be defined at/or near the secondend 304 of the heat exchanger loop 300. A seal 382 may also be includedat the first end 302 of the heat exchanger loop 300. In particular, aseal 382A may be included on the first end 122 of the first tube 120 andalso on the first end 142 of the second tube 140. Likewise, a seal 382Bmay be included on the second end 124 of the first tube 120 and also onthe second end 144 of the second tube 140. The seals 382, 382A, 382B maylikewise be included on the heat exchanger loops 100 and/or 200. Theseals 382, 382A, 382B may be used to seal against a tool with apressurized tube as will be described hereinafter. The pressurized tubeof the tool may eject the heat exchanger loop 300 from the tool bypressurizing the pressurized tube of the tool with an ejection pressure.By controlling the ejection pressure and a rotational position and anaxial position of the tool, the heat exchanger loop 300 may be left inthe soil 2000 (see FIG. 92) and the tool may be extracted from the soil2000 without damaging the heat exchanger loop 300.

Turning now to FIGS. 15-18, a heat exchanger loop 400 according to theprinciples of the present disclosure is illustrated. The heat exchangerloop 400 is similar to the heat exchanger loop 300, but includes a web484 between the first tube 120 and the second tube 140. The heatexchanger loop 400 extends between a first end 402 and a second end 404.An outer surface portion 406 may be defined by the web 484 incombination with the first tube 120 and the second tube 140. Likewise,an inner surface portion 408 may be defined by the web 484, the firsttube 120, and the second tube 140. An upper surface portion 410 may bedefined by the first tube 120. Likewise, a lower surface portion 412 maybe defined by the second tube 140. The first tube 120, the second tube140, and the web 484 follow a helical path 418 along a plurality ofcoils 414. As depicted, the helical path 418 defines a revolved shape416 in a form of a cylinder. In other embodiments, other revolved shapesmay be defined by the helical path 418. A return fitting 460 of the heatexchanger loop 400 is similar to the return fitting 360, but includes atip 472 that is substantially centered between the first tube 120 andthe second tube 140. A center divide 466 is similar to the center divide366 but may connect with the web 484. The web 484 may function as aninstallation aid and/or may function as a heat-exchanging fin adapted toexchange heat energy between the first tube 120 and/or the second tube140 and the soil 2000 (see FIG. 92). A flange 470 may be similar to theflange 370, but may connect with the web 484. The flange 470 may besubstantially thicker than the web 484.

Turning now to FIGS. 19-22, another heat exchanger loop 400′ isillustrated according to the principles of the present disclosure. Theheat exchanger loop 400′ is similar to the heat exchanger loop 400 butfurther includes an additional web 486. The heat exchanger loop 400′ mayform an enclosed revolved shape 416′ (e.g., a cylinder or a portion of acone). The heat exchanger loop 400′ may extend between a top 416T′ and abottom 416B′. The revolved shape 416′ may take a form of a cylinder withan opening at the top 416T′ and at the bottom 416W. A return fitting460′ of the heat exchanger loop 400′ may include a tip 47Y that isprojected from the second tube 140.

Turning now to FIGS. 23-26, a heat exchanger loop 500 according to theprinciples of the present disclosure is illustrated. The heat exchangerloop 500 extends between a first end 502 and a second end 504. The firsttube 120 and the second tube 140 follow a helical path 518 similar tothe helical path 318, described above (i.e., a double helix). Asdepicted, the helical path 518 of the multiple coils 314 defines arevolved shape 516 of a cylinder. In other embodiments, the revolvedshape 516 may include a form of a portion of a cone. The heat exchangerloop 500 includes a return fitting 560 with a first side 562 and asecond side 564. Like the return fitting 160, the return fitting 560includes a passage 168 with a first port 162 and a second port 164. Thefirst port 162 similarly connects to the first tube 120, and the secondport 164 similarly connects to the second tube 140. As depicted, acenter divide 566 (i.e., a divide) of the return fitting 560substantially extends across the revolved shape 516 at the second end504 of the heat exchanger loop 500. A centering tip 574 may be includedon the return fitting 560. The return fitting 560 further includes aflange 570. The flange 570 may include a releasable attachment featuresimilar to or the same as the releasable attachment feature 272,described above. The return fitting 560 includes a pair of tips 572 thatmay cut and penetrate the soil 2000 (see FIG. 92). The return fitting560 may be left in the soil 2000 upon the retraction of the tool. Otheraspects of the heat exchanger loop 500 may be similar to or the same asthe heat exchanger loops 400′, 400, 300, 200, and/or 100.

Turning now to FIGS. 27-30, a screw-in pile 600 is illustrated accordingto the principles of the present disclosure. The screw-in pile 600includes a heat exchanger loop 300′ similar to the heat exchanger loop300, described above. The screw-in pile 600 may be used to both exchangeheat energy between a fluid and the soil 2000 (see FIG. 92) and furtherbe used as a screw-in pile. The screw-in pile 600 extends between afirst end 602 and a second end 604. The screw-in pile 600 includes adrive tube 610 with a first end 612 and a second end 614. As depicted,the drive tube 610 may terminate at a centering member 620. Thecentering member 620 may extend between a first end 622 and a second end624. The first end 622 of the centering member 620 may coincide withand/or be connected with the second end 614 of the drive tube 610. Thescrew-in pile 600 may include a first flighting 630 and a secondflighting 640. The first and the second flighting 630, 640 may take ashape generally like an auger.

However, a function of the flighting 630, 640 is to screw into the soil2000 (see FIG. 92) and not necessarily remove soil by auguring. Uponscrewing in the screw-in pile 600, the drive tube 610 may displace agiven amount of the soil and thereby require auguring of a volume ofsoil sufficient to compensate for a volume of the drive tube 610. Inother embodiments, the centering member 620 is discarded and soil mayfill a center of the drive tube 610. By filling the center of the drivetube 610, auguring out compensating soil may be reduced or eveneliminated. In still other embodiments, the centering member 620 maycompress the soil 2000 and thereby reduce or eliminate auguring outcompensating soil.

The first flighting 630 and the second flighting 640 may take a form ofa helicoid. The first flighting 630 extends between a first end 632 anda second end 634. The first flighting 630 extends between an outer edge636 and an inner edge 638. The outer edge 636 may be connected to thefirst tube 120. The inner edge 638 of the flighting 630 may be connectedto the drive tube 610. Likewise, the second flighting 640 extendsbetween a first end 642 and a second end 644. The second flighting 640may extend between an outer edge 646 and an inner edge 648. The outeredge 636 may attach to the second tube 140. The inner edge 648 mayconnect with the drive tube 610.

Turning now to FIGS. 37-40, another screw-in pile 700 according to theprinciples of the present disclosure is illustrated. The screw-in pile700 includes a heat exchanger loop 500′ similar to the heat exchangerloop 500, described above. The screw-in pile 700 further includessimilarities with the screw-in pile 600 that will not typically beredundantly described. The screw-in pile 700 extends between a first end702 and a second end 704. The screw-in pile 700 includes a drive tube710 that extends between a first end 712 and a second end 714. Thescrew-in pile 700 includes a centering member 720 that extends between afirst end 722 and a second end 724. The first end 722 of the centeringmember 720 may be connected with and/or adjacent to the second end 714of the drive tube 710. The screw-in pile 700 includes a first flighting730 and a second flighting 740. As described above, with respect to theflightings 630 and 640, the flightings 730 and 740 do not necessarilyneed to auger material (e.g., soil). Similarly, the centering member 720may be removed and the drive tube 710 allowed to fill with soil. Thefirst flighting member 730 extends between a first end 732 and a secondend 734. The first flighting 730 extends between an outer edge 736 andan inner edge 738. The outer edge 736 may connect with the first tube120. The inner edge 738 may connect with the drive tube 710. The secondflighting 740 extends between a first end 742 and a second end 744. Thesecond flighting 740 extends between an outer edge 746 and an inner edge748. The outer edge 746 may connect with the second tube 140. The inneredge 748 may connect with the drive tube 710.

Turning now to FIGS. 31-36, an insertion tool 1000 is illustratedaccording to the principles of the present disclosure. The insertiontool 1000 is adapted to screw the heat exchanger loop 300 into soil 2000(see FIG. 92) and, after having screwed the heat exchanger loop 300 to adesired depth Dh in the soil 2000, to eject the heat exchanger loop 300from the insertion tool 1000 by applying ejection pressure within afirst tube 1020 and a second tube 1040 of the insertion tool 1000. Asthe ejection pressure is applied to the first tube 1020 and the secondtube 1040, the insertion tool 1000 is unscrewed from the soil 2000 andthereby leaves the heat exchanger loop 300 behind in the soil 2000. Thefirst tube 1020 and the second tube 1040 may be pressurized with wateror may be pressurized with grout and thereby leave the first tube 120and the second tube 140 of the heat exchanger loop 300 surrounded by thegrout after installation is complete. FIG. 92 schematically illustratesmethods of coordinating the withdrawal of the insertion tool 1000 fromthe soil 2000 without damaging the heat exchanger loop 300. Likewise,the flowchart at FIG. 93 provides a method for withdrawing the insertiontool 1000 from the soil 2000 without damaging the heat exchanger loop300.

The insertion tool 1000 extends from a first end 1002 to a second end1004. The insertion tool 1000 defines an outer surface portion 1006, anupper surface portion 1010, and a lower surface portion 1012. The outersurface portion 1006, the upper surface portion 1010, and the lowersurface portion 1012, may generally displace soil normal to theirorientations as the insertion tool 1000 is screwed into the soil 2000.The first tube 1020 and the second tube 1040 may be made of a suitablyhard material such as steel or high strength low alloy steel or hightemper steel to resist damage from the soil 2000 while the insertiontool 1000 is screwed in and out of the soil 2000. The first tube 1020and the second tube 1040 follow a helical path 1018 and may includemultiple coils 1014. In following the path 1018, the first tube 1020 andthe second tube 1040 generally define a revolved shape 1016. Asdepicted, the revolved shape is a cylinder. In other embodiments, therevolved shape 1016 may include a conical portion and/or other revolvedshape(s).

The first tube 1020 extends from a first end 1022 to a second end 1024.The first tube 1020 includes an interior 1026 generally adapted to holdthe first tube 120 of the heat exchanger 300. The first tube 1020 alsodefines an exterior 1028 generally adapted to displace the soil 2000 andprotect the tube 120. Likewise, the second tube 1040 extends from afirst end 1042 to a second end 1044. The second tube 1040 includes aninterior 1046 adapted to hold the second tube 140 of the heat exchangerloop 300. The second tube 1040 further includes an exterior 1048. Theexterior 1048 is adapted to displace the soil 2000 and protect thesecond tube 140.

As further illustrated at FIGS. 35 and 36, the insertion tool 1000includes a concentric fitting 1060 adapted to facilitate thepressurization of the first tube 1020 and the second tube 1040 while theinsertion tool 1000 is being screwed into and out of the soil 2000. Theconcentric fitting 1060 includes a first port 1062 and a second port1064 and a third port 1066. The first port 1062 may be used topressurize the first tube 1020. Likewise, the second port 1064 may beused to pressurize the second tube 1040. The third port 1066 may be usedto pressurize a drive tube 1080 and thereby provide a force that assiststhe withdrawal of the insertion tool 1000 from the soil 2000. The drivetube 1080, the first tube 1020, and/or the second tube 1040 may therebybe pressurized with water or may be pressurized with grout.

The drive tube 1080 may be used to apply a rotational torque that screwsthe insertion tool 1000 into and/or out of the soil 2000 (see FIG. 92).The insertion tool 1000 may be screwed into and/or out of the soil 2000by attaching an actuator 4100 (e.g., a high torque hydraulic motorand/or gearbox) to a first end 1082 of the drive tube 1080. The drivetube 1080 extends between the first end 1082 and a second end 1084. Acentering member 1090 may be included at the second end 1084 of thedrive tube 1080. In certain embodiments, the centering member 1090 maybe attached at a first end 1092 to the second end 1084 of the drive tube1080. In certain embodiments, pressurizing the drive tube 1080 expelsthe centering member 1090 from the drive tube 1080 and thereby leavesthe centering member 1090 in the soil 2000 as the insertion tool 1000 iswithdrawn from the soil 2000. In other embodiments, the centering member1090 may be omitted. The centering member 1090 extends from the firstend 1092 to a second end 1094. The second end 1094 may include a tipthat may be used to pierce the soil 2000.

The insertion tool 1000 further includes a first flighting 1100 thatextends between a first end 1102 and a second end 1104. The flighting1100 includes an outer edge 1106 that may be attached to the first tube1020 and an inner edge 1108 that may be attached to the drive tube 1080.The first flighting 1100 may or may not necessarily be an auger, asdiscussed above. The first flighting 1100 may take a form of a helicoid.The insertion tool 1000 further includes a second flighting 1110 similarto the first flighting 1100. The second flighting 1110 extends between afirst end 1112 and a second end 1114. The second flighting 1110 extendsbetween an outer edge 1116 that may be connected to the second tube1040. The second flighting 1110 may include an inner edge 1118 that maybe attached to the drive tube 1080.

As illustrated at FIG. 35, the insertion tool 1000 may include a passagearrangement 1120. The passage arrangement 1120 may extend between afirst end 1122 and a second end 1124. The passage arrangement 1120 mayinclude a central tube 1126 that provides a first concentric fluidconnection to the first tube 1020 that is helically coiled about theinsertion tool 1000. The passage arrangement 1120 includes a transitiontube 1128. The passage arrangement 1120 may further include a wallopening 1130 through the drive tube 1080. The insertion tool 1000 mayfurther include a passage arrangement 1140 similar to the passagearrangement 1120 but adapted to provide a second concentric fluidconnection to the second tube 1040. The passage arrangement 1140 extendsbetween a first end 1142 and a second end 1144. The passage arrangement1140 includes a central tube 1146. The central tube 1146 may beconcentric with the drive tube 1080. The passage arrangement 1140 mayinclude a transition tube 1148. The passage arrangement 1140 may includea wall opening 1150 that passes through the drive tube 1080. The passagearrangement 1140 may further include a tube opening 1152 that passesthrough the central tube 1126 of the passage arrangement 1120. Theinsertion tool 1000 further includes a passage arrangement 1160 thatextends between a first end 1162 and a second end 1164. The passagearrangement 1160 may apply pressure to an interior of the drive tube1080. Pressure applied to the passage arrangement 1160 may provide anexpelling force to the insertion tool 1000 as the insertion tool 1000 iswithdrawn from the soil 2000.

Turning now to FIGS. 41-48, an insertion tool 1200 according to theprinciples of the present disclosure is illustrated. The insertion tool1200 may be used as a tool to insert a heat exchanger loop such as theheat exchanger loop 200 into the soil 2000 (see FIG. 92). Afterinserting the heat exchanger loop 200, the insertion tool 1200 may bewithdrawn from the soil 2000 and thereby leave the heat exchanger loop200 in the soil 2000. The insertion tool 1200 may also be a mandrelportion of a tool that includes a cover to protect the tubes 120 and 140of the heat exchanger loop 200. As illustrated, the insertion tool 1200is adapted to install a pair of tubes that are positioned side by side(e.g., the tubes 120 and 140 of the heat exchanger loop 200). In otherembodiments, the insertion tool 1200 may be adapted to install a pair oftubes that are spaced from each other (e.g., the pairs of tubes 120 and140 of the heat exchanger loops 300, 400, 400′, and/or 500, discussedabove).

The insertion tool 1200 extends from a first end 1202 to a second end1204. The insertion tool 1200 includes an outer surface portion 1206.The outer surface portion 1206 may include a first portion 1206A adaptedto hold the first tube 120. The outer surface portion 1206 may furtherinclude a second portion 1206B adapted to hold and support the secondtube 140. The insertion tool 1200 may further include an upper surfaceportion 1210 and a lower surface portion 1212. The outer surface portion1206, the upper surface portion 1210, and the lower surface portion 1212may be included on a tube guide support 1320. The tube guide support1320 may follow a helical path 1218. The helical path 1218 may include aplurality of revolutions 1214. The plurality of revolutions of the path1218 developed a revolved shape 1216. As depicted, the revolved shape1216 includes a portion of a cone. In other embodiments, the revolvedshape 1216 may include cylindrical portions.

The insertion tool 1200 includes a first tube support track 1220 thatextends from a first end 1222 to a second end 1224. The first tubesupport track 1220 may be included on the tube guide support 1320. Thefirst tube support track 1220 may include an interior 1226 and anexterior 1228. The insertion tool 1200 further includes a second tubesupport track 1240. Similar to the first tube support track 1220. Thesecond tube support track 1240 extends between a first end 1242 and asecond end 1244. The second tube support track 1240 may include aninterior 1246 and an exterior 1248. The insertion tool 1200 may includea flange 1270, and a releasable attachment feature 1272 may be includedon the flange 1270 (see FIG. 48). The releasable attachment feature 1272may engage the releasable attachment feature 272 of the heat exchangerloop 200, and the flange 1270 may engage the flange 270 of the heatexchanger loop 200. The insertion tool 1200 may thereby screw in theheat exchanger loop 300 into the soil 2000. When the insertion tool 1200is withdrawn, the releasable attachment feature 1272 disconnects fromthe releasable attachment feature 272.

The insertion tool 1200 may further include a drive tube 1280. The drivetube 1280 extends from a first end 1282 to a second end 1284. Similar tothe centering members 620, 720, 1090, discussed above, the insertiontool 1200 may include a centering member 1290 that extends between afirst end 1292 and a second end 1294. The insertion tool 1200 includes aflighting 1300 that extends between a first end 1302 and a second end1304. The flighting includes an outer edge 1306 that may connect to thetube guide support 1320. The flighting 1300 further includes an inneredge 1308 that may connect to the drive tube 1280.

In embodiments with a cover to protect the tubes 120 and 140, theinsertion tool 1200 may include a slot set 1370. The slot set 1370 mayinclude a single pair or a plurality of slot pairs 1372. The slot set1370 may be used to guide the cover as it engages and disengages withthe insertion tool 1200, the first tube 120, and/or the second tube 140.The slot pairs 1372 include a first slot 1380 that extends between afirst end 1382 and a second end 1384. The slot pair 1372 furtherincludes a second slot 1390 that extends between a first end 1392 and asecond end 1394. As depicted, the slots 1380, 1390 of the slot set 1370are cut within a wall of the drive tube 1280.

Turning now to FIGS. 49 and 50, an insertion tool 1400 is illustratedaccording to the principles of the present disclosure. The insertiontool 1400 extends between a first end 1402 and a second end. Theinsertion tool 1400 includes an outer surface portion 1406, an uppersurface portion 1410, and a lower surface portion 1412. As depicted, theinsertion tool 1400 includes a tube guide support 1520 that follows ahelical path 1418 about a plurality of revolutions 1414. The pluralityof revolutions 1414 of the helical path 1418 defines a revolved shape1416. As depicted, the revolved shape 1416 is a cylindrical shape. Inother embodiments, the revolved shape 1416 may include at least aportion of a cone shape. Similar to the previous insertion tools,described above, the insertion tool 1400 may include a first tubesupport track 1420 that extends between a first end 1422 and a secondend. The first tube support track 1420 includes an interior 1426 and anexterior 1428. The insertion tool 1400 may further include a second tubesupport track 1440 that extends between a first end 1442 and a secondend. The second tube support track 1440 includes an interior 1446 and anexterior 1448.

The insertion tool 1400 includes a drive tool 1480 that extends betweena first end 1482 and a second end. The insertion tool 1400 includes afirst flighting 1500 that extends between a first end 1502 and a secondend. The first flighting 1500 extends between an outer edge 1506 and aninner edge 1508. The outer edge 1506 may connect with a first tube guidesupport 1520A of the tube guide support 1520. The inner edge 1508 mayconnect with the drive tube 1480. The insertion tool 1400 may furtherinclude a second flighting 1510 that extends between a first end 1512and a second end. The second flighting 1510 may extend between an outeredge 1516 and an inner edge 1518. The outer edge 1516 may connect with asecond tube guide support 1520B of the tube guide support 1520. As withthe insertion tool 1200, the insertion tool 1400 generally faces in anoutward radial direction to support the first tube 120 and the secondtube 140.

Turning now to FIGS. 51-55, an insertion tool 1600 according to theprinciples of the present disclosure is illustrated. The insertion tool1600 is similar to the insertion tool 1400 but faces in an axialdirection rather than a radial direction when supporting the tubes 120and 140. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, an insertiontool may face in a direction with both a radial and an axial component.Both the radial and the axial component may be generally the samemagnitude (e.g., positioned to face at 45 degrees from a central axis ofthe insertion tool 1600). The insertion tool 1600 may be used alone ormay be included as a mandrel portion of a tool that further includes acover to protect the tubes 120 and 140 as they are installed. Theinsertion tool 1600 extends between a first end 1602 and a second end1604. The insertion tool 1600 includes an outer surface portion 1606, aninner surface portion 1608, and a lower surface portion 1612. Thesurface portions 1606, 1608, 1612 may be included on a tube guidesupport 1720 and, in particular, may be included on a first tube guidesupport 1720A and a second tube guide support 1720B, respectively.

The insertion tool 1600 may include a first tube support track 1620 anda second tube support track 1640 that generally follow a helical path1618. The helical path 1618 may define a revolved shape 1616 as itextends a plurality of revolutions 1614 about the central axis of theinsertion tool 1600. As depicted, the revolved shape 1616 is acylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the revolved shape 1616 mayinclude at least a portion shaped like a portion of a cone. The firsttube support track 1620 extends from a first end 1622 to a second end1624. The first tube support track 1620 includes an interior 1626 and anexterior 1628. The second tube support track 1640 extends between afirst end 1642 and a second end 1644. The second tube support track 1640includes an interior 1646 and an exterior 1648. The insertion tool 1600further includes a drive tube 1680. The drive tube 1680 extends betweena first end 1682 and a second end 1684. The insertion tool 1600 furtherincludes a first flighting 1700 that extends between a first end 1702and a second end 1704. The first flighting 1700 extends between an outeredge 1706 and an inner edge 1708. The outer edge 1706 may connect withthe first tube guide support 1720A, and the inner edge 1708 may connectwith the drive tube 1680. The insertion tool 1600 further includes asecond flighting 1710 that extends between a first end and a second end1714. The second flighting may extend between an outer edge 1716 and aninner edge 1718. The outer edge 1716 may connect with the second tubeguide support 1720B, and the inner edge 1718 may connect with the drivetube 1680.

In embodiments where the insertion tool 1600 is used as a mandrelportion of a tool that includes a cover, the insertion tool 1600 furtherincludes a slot set 1770 that includes a plurality of slot pairs 1772.The slot set 1770 may be used to engage and disengage the cover with theinsertion tool 1600 and with the first tube 120 and the second tube 140.Each of the slot pairs 1772 includes a pair of oppositely positionedslots 1780 that extend between a first end 1782 and a second end 1784.The slots 1780 of the slot set 1770 extend generally tangentially (i.e.,circumferentially) around and through the drive tube 1680. In contrast,the slots 1380, 1390 of the slot set 1370 of the insertion tool 1200generally extend along a helix with substantially the same pitch as theflighting 1300 and the tube guide support 1320.

Turning now to FIGS. 61-71, an insertion mandrel cover 2200 isillustrated according to the principles of the present disclosure. Theinsertion mandrel cover 2200 is generally suited for use with theinsertion tool 1200. The insertion mandrel cover 2200 includes a tubecover shield 2320 generally adapted to protect the tubes 120 and 140. Incertain embodiments, the insertion mandrel cover 2200 includes a drivetube 2290 adapted to rotate the insertion mandrel cover 2200. The drivetube 2290 is adapted to fit within the drive tube 1280 of the insertiontool 1200 and connect with other portions of the insertion mandrel cover2200 through the slot set 1370. With the drive tube 2290 included, theinsertion mandrel cover 2200 extends between a first end 2202 and asecond end 2204. Without the drive tube 2290, the insertion mandrelcover 2200 extends between a first end 2203 and the second end 2204.

The insertion mandrel cover 2200 includes an inner surface portion 2206.The inner surface portion 2206 may include a first portion 2206A adaptedto cover the first tube 120 and may further include a second portion2206B adapted to cover the second tube 140. The inner surface portion(s)2206, 2206A, 2206B are part of the tube cover shield 2320. The tubecover shield 2320 may further include an upper surface portion 2210 anddefine a cutting edge 2322. The cutting edge 2322 may be adapted to cutthrough the soil 2000. The tube cover shield 2320 may follow a helicalpath 2218 a plurality of revolutions 2214 and thereby define a revolvedshape 2216. As depicted, the revolved shape 2216 is in a form of a coneportion. In other embodiments, the revolved shape 2216 may take a formof a cylinder. The inner surface portion 2206A made define a first tubesupport and protection track 2220. Likewise, the inner surface portion2206B may define a second tube support and protection track 2240. Thefirst tube support track 2220 may extend between a first end 2222 and asecond end 2224. The first tube support track 2220 may define aninterior 2226 and an exterior 2228. Likewise, the second tube supporttrack 2240 extends between a first end 2242 and a second end 2244. Thesecond tube support track may define an interior 2246 and an exterior2248. The tube cover shield 2320 may define a flange 2270. Asillustrated at FIGS. 75 and 76, the flange 2270 may assist in separatingthe flange 270 of the heat exchanger loop 200 from the insertion tool1200 when removal of the insertion tool 1200 from the soil 2000 isinitiated.

The insertion mandrel cover 2200 further includes an outer spiral 2280.The outer spiral 2280 may be formed from a tube with a spiral cut 2286(see FIGS. 65 and 66). The spiral cut 2286 may extend between a firstend 2282 and a second end 2284. As depicted, the spiral cut 2286 stopsshort of the second end 2284. The outer spiral 2280 may include a set ofholes 2288. The set of holes 2288 may be adapted to receive a cross-pinset 2370 (see FIG. 69). The cross-pin set 2370 may include a pluralityof cross-pins 2372 that extend between a first end 2380 and a second end2390. The insertion mandrel cover 2200 may include flighting 2300 thatextends between a first end 2302 and a second end 2304. The flighting2300 may extend between an outer edge 2306 and an inner edge 2308. Theouter edge 2306 may connect with the tube cover shield 2320. The inneredge 2308 may connect with the outer spiral 2280. As depicted, the inneredge 2308 and the outer spiral 2280 connect at an “L” intersection. Thedrive tube 2290 extends between a first end 2292 and a second end 2294.The drive tube 2290 may include a set of holes 2298. The holes 2298 maybe adapted to receive the cross-pin set 2370 (see FIG. 69). Thecross-pin set 2370 may connect the drive tube 2290 of the insertionmandrel cover 2200 and the outer spiral 2280. The cross-pin set 2370 maythereby connect the drive tube 2290 with the flighting 2300 and with thetube cover shield 2320. As illustrated at FIG. 69, the drive tube 2290and the outer spiral 2280 define an annular area 2360. The annular area2360 may be adapted to hold the drive tube 1280 of the insertion tool1200. The slot set 1370 allows the cross-pin set 2370 to pass throughthe drive tube 1280. The spiral cut 2286 allows the flighting 1300 topass through the outer spiral 2280 of the insertion mandrel cover 2200.

Turning now to FIGS. 56-60, an insertion mandrel cover 2200′ accordingto the principles of the present disclosure is illustrated. Theinsertion mandrel cover 2200′ is similar to the insertion mandrel cover2200 except that flighting 2300′ approaches the flighting 1300 of theinsertion tool 1200 from above. In contrast, the flighting 2300 of theinsertion mandrel cover 2200 approaches the flighting 1300 from below.The insertion mandrel cover 2200′ extends between a first end 2203′ anda second end 2204′, as depicted. As with the insertion mandrel cover2200, a drive tube 2290 could be included. The insertion mandrel cover2200′ includes an inner surface portion 2206′. The inner surface portion2206′ includes a first portion 2206K adapted to cover and protect thefirst tube 120 and a second portion 2206W adapted to cover and protectthe second tube 140. The insertion mandrel cover 2200′ includes a lowersurface portion 2212′ on a tube cover shield 2320′. The tube covershield 2320′ extends along a helical path 2218′ a plurality ofrevolutions 2214′ and thereby defines a revolved shape 2216′. Asdepicted, the revolved shape 2216′ is in a form of a cone portion. Inother embodiments, the revolved shape 2216′ may take a form of acylinder. The insertion mandrel cover 2200′ may include a first tubesupport track 2220′ adapted to cover and protect the first tube 120.Likewise, the insertion mandrel cover 2200′ may include a second tubesupport track 2240′ adapted to cover and protect the second tube 140.Similar to the insertion mandrel cover 2200, the insertion mandrel cover2200′ may include a flange 2270′, an outer spiral 2280′, flighting2300′, an outer edge 2306′, and an inner edge 2308′.

Turning now to FIGS. 72-74, an insertion mandrel cover 2400 according tothe principles of the present disclosure is illustrated. The insertionmandrel cover 2400 extends from a first end 2403 to a second end 2404.As with other embodiments, the insertion mandrel cover 2400 may includea drive tube 2290. The insertion mandrel cover 2400 may include an innersurface portion 2406 and an upper surface portion 2410. The uppersurface portion 2410 may include a first portion 2410A and a secondportion 2410B. The insertion mandrel cover 2400 may include a tube covershield 2520. In particular, the tube cover shield 2520 includes a firsttube cover shield 2520A adapted to cover and protect the first tube 120,and a second tube cover shield 2520B adapted to cover and protect thesecond tube 140. The tube cover shield(s) 2520, 2520A, 2520B maygenerally follow a helical path 2418 a plurality of revolutions 2414 andthereby define a revolved shape 2416. In the depicted embodiment, therevolved shape 2416 is a cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, therevolved shape 2416 may include a conical shape or a portion of aconical shape.

The insertion mandrel cover 2400 includes a first tube support track2420 that extends between a first end 2422 and a second end 2424. Thefirst tube support track 2420 includes an interior 2426 and an exterior2428. The insertion mandrel cover 2400 further includes a second tubesupport track 2440. The second tube support track 2440 extends between afirst end 2442 and a second end 2444. The second tube support track 2440may include an interior 2446 and an exterior 2448. Similar to previouslydiscussed embodiments of mandrel covers, the insertion mandrel cover2400 includes an outer spiral 2480 with a spiral cut 2486. The outerspiral 2480 extends between a first end 2482 and a second end 2484. Asthe insertion mandrel cover 2400 includes a double helix, there is afirst spiral cut 2486A and a second spiral cut 2486B. The outer spiral2480 includes a set of holes 2488. The set of holes 2488 are adapted toreceive cross-pins 2572 that extend between a first end 2580 and asecond end 2590. A cross-pin set 2570 may include a plurality of thecross-pins 2572. The insertion mandrel cover 2400 includes a pair offlightings 2500 rotationally spaced from each other about 180 degrees.The flighting 2500 extends from a first end 2502 to a second end 2504.The flighting may extend between an outer edge 2506 and an inner edge2508. The outer edge 2506 may connect with the tube cover shield 2520,and the inner edge 2508 may connect with the outer spiral 2480.

Turning now to FIGS. 75-78, a covered insertion tool 3000 according tothe principles of the present disclosure is illustrated. The coveredinsertion tool 3000 includes the insertion tool 1200 and the insertionmandrel cover 2200. The covered insertion tool 3000 is moveable betweena closed configuration 3002 and an open configuration 3004. The coveredinsertion tool 3000 provides a first protected path 3020 and a secondprotected path 3040 to hold the tubes 120 and 140, respectively. Thefirst protected path 3020 extends between a first end 3022 and a secondend 3024. Likewise, the second protected path 3040 extends between afirst end 3042 and a second end 3044. In the open configuration 3004, aspace 3006 (e.g., a clearance) opens between the insertion tool 1200 andthe insertion mandrel cover 2200 along the first protected path 3020 andalong the second protected path 3040. The space 3006 may be opened byrotating the insertion tool 1200 and the insertion mandrel cover 2200relative to each other (e.g., by an installation tool with twoconcentric drives). The cross-pins 2372 of the cross-pin set 2370 andthe slots 1380, 1390 of the slot pairs 1372 of the slot set 1370 mayguide the insertion tool 1200 and the insertion mandrel cover 2200relative to each other.

In the depicted embodiment, the space 3006 opens between the tube guidesupport 1320 and the tube cover shield 2320. By opening the space 3006,the tubes 120 and 140 may be released from the covered insertion tool3000 (e.g., before withdrawing the covered insertion tool 3000 from thesoil 2000). Grout may be pumped in along the first protected path 3020and/or along the second protected path 3040. The grout may leak throughthe space 3006 and thereby facilitate installation of the tubes 120 and140 and/or thermally connect the tubes 120 and 140 to the soil 2000. Thethermal connection of the grout between the soil 2000 and the tubes 120and 140 may endure after the covered insertion tool 3000 is withdrawnfrom the soil 2000. A reduced amount of grout may be required, accordingto the principles of the present disclosure, compared with an amount ofgrout required with conventional methods (e.g., drilling boreholes andfilling the boreholes with the grout).

Turning now to FIGS. 79-84, a covered insertion tool 3200 according tothe principles of the present disclosure is illustrated. The coveredinsertion tool 3200 includes the insertion tool 1600 and the insertionmandrel cover 2400. The covered insertion tool 3200 is moveable betweena closed configuration 3202 and an open configuration 3204. The coveredinsertion tool 3200 provides a first protected path 3220 and a secondprotected path 3240 to hold the tubes 120 and 140, respectively. Thefirst protected path 3220 extends between a first end 3222 and a secondend 3224. Likewise, the second protected path 3240 extends between afirst end 3242 and a second end 3244. In the open configuration 3204,spaces 3206 (i.e., clearances) open between the insertion tool 1600 andthe insertion mandrel cover 2400 along the first protected path 3220 andalong the second protected path 3240. The spaces 3206 may be opened byrotating the insertion tool 1600 and the insertion mandrel cover 2400relative to each other (e.g., by an installation tool with twoconcentric drives). The cross-pins 2572 of the cross-pin set 2570 andthe slots 1780 of the slot pairs 1772 of the slot set 1770 may guide theinsertion tool 1600 and the insertion mandrel cover 2400 relative toeach other.

In the depicted embodiment, the spaces 3206 open between the tube guidesupports 1720A, 1720B and the tube cover shields 2520A, 2520B,respectively. By opening the spaces 3006, the tubes 120 and 140 may bereleased from the covered insertion tool 3200 (e.g., before withdrawingthe covered insertion tool 3200 from the soil 2000). Grout may be pumpedin along the first protected path 3220 and/or along the second protectedpath 3240. The grout may leak through the space 3206 and therebyfacilitate installation of the tubes 120 and 140 and/or thermallyconnect the tubes 120 and 140 to the soil 2000. The thermal connectionof the grout between the soil 2000 and the tubes 120 and 140 may endureafter the covered insertion tool 3000 is withdrawn from the soil 2000. Areduced amount of grout may be required, according to the principles ofthe present disclosure, compared with an amount of grout required withthe conventional methods.

Turning now to FIGS. 85-88, an insertion tool 2600 is illustratedaccording to the principles of the present disclosure. The insertiontool 2600 extends between a first end 2602 and a second end 2604. Theinsertion tool 2600 includes a pair of tubes 2610 that are wrappedaround a drive tube 2620 in a double helix arrangement 2616. A pair ofthreads 2630 is also wrapped around the drive tube 2620 in a doublehelix arrangement 2636. As depicted, the drive tube 2620 may be openfrom the first end 2602 to the second end 2604. The pair of threads 2630may be positioned at an interior and/or an exterior of the drive tube2620.

The drive tube 2620 may be rotationally driven from the first end 2602.A return fitting 2660 may be positioned at the second end 2604. Thereturn fitting 2660 may include a cutting edge 2670 adapted to cutthrough the soil 2000. The return fitting 2660 may be rotationallyconnected to the drive tube 2620. The return fitting 2660 may be part ofa heat exchanger loop 2700. The heat exchanger loop 2700 is similar tothe heat exchanger loop 500, discussed above, but includes the returnfitting 2660 instead of the return fitting 560. The return fitting 2660is ring-shaped and includes a passage 2662 that fluidly connects to thefirst tube 120 and the second tube 140 of the heat exchanger loop 2700.

By pressurizing the pair of tubes 2610, the heat exchanger loop 2700,including the return fitting 2660 and the tubes 120, 140 may be ejectedfrom the insertion tool 2600. By controlling the ejection and thewithdrawal of the insertion tool 2600, the heat exchanger loop 2700 maybe left undamaged in the soil 2000, and the insertion tool 2600 may bewithdrawn from the soil 2000 and reused.

Turning now to FIG. 89, an example tube support track 2920 isillustrated with a passage 2922 that may be used to inject a fluid(e.g., grout) to lubricate and eject the tube 120, 140 from the tubesupport track 2920. The fluid may further lubricate the variousinsertion tools of the present disclosure when sliding against the soil2000. The passage 2920 may be connected to, for example, one of theports 1062, 1064, 1066 of the concentric fitting 1060 and therebyreceive the fluid.

Turning now to FIGS. 90 and 91, another example tube support track 2960is illustrated with a pop-off cover 2962 that pops-off the tube supporttrack 2960 when the tube 120, 140 is pressurized.

Turning now to FIG. 92, the actuator 4100 is illustrated with a controlsystem 4200 and sensors including an elevation sensor 4302 (i.e., tomeasure elevation of the insertion tool 1000), a tube position sensor4304 (i.e., to measure ejection position of tubes 120 and/or 140 withinthe insertion tool 1000), an angle sensor 4306 (i.e., to measure angularposition of the insertion tool 1000), etc. FIG. 93 illustrates a flowchart for controlling the actuator 4100.

FIG. 92 also illustrates a nut 4400 that may threadingly couple theinsertion tool 1000 to the ground 2000 to coordinate withdrawal of theinsertion tool 1000 from the ground 2000. FIG. 92 also illustrates aconnecting member 4500 (e.g., an excavator) that connects the actuator4100 to the ground 2000.

FIGS. 94 and 95 illustrate deployable barbs 4700 that may aid in keepingthe tube 120, 140 positioned in the soil 2000 when the insertion tool iswithdrawn from the soil 2000.

FIGS. 96 and 97 illustrate deployable barbs 4600 that may aid in keepingthe return fitting 2660 positioned in the soil 2000 when the insertiontool 2600 is withdrawn from the soil 2000.

The various features of the various embodiments may be combined invarious combinations with each other and thereby yield furtherembodiments according to the principles of the present disclosure.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that thescope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrativeembodiments set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of installing a tubular heat exchangerin soil, the method comprising: providing the tubular heat exchanger;screwing an installation apparatus in the soil and thereby placing thetubular heat exchanger in the soil; urging at least one tube of thetubular heat exchanger from the installation apparatus by pressurizingat least one corresponding passage of the installation apparatus; andremoving the installation apparatus from the soil without removing thetubular heat exchanger from the soil.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe tubular heat exchanger is a ground-coupled heat exchanger uponinstallation in the soil, the ground-coupled heat exchanger adapted foruse in a geothermal heat pump.
 3. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising: providing at least one additional tubular heat exchanger;screwing the at least one additional tubular heat exchanger in the soilthereby providing a plurality of ground-coupled heat exchangers adaptedfor use in the geothermal heat pump; and fluidly interconnecting theplurality of ground-coupled heat exchangers for use in the geothermalheat pump.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: coupling acutting member to the installation apparatus; penetrating the soil withthe cutting member; uncoupling the cutting member from the installationapparatus; and leaving the cutting member in the soil after removing theinstallation apparatus from the soil; wherein the tubular heat exchangerincludes a distal end that initiates entry of the tubular heat exchangerin the soil following the cutting member and a proximal end thatincludes a supply port and a return port.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the tubular heat exchanger is provided as a pre-coiled heatexchanger.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular heat exchangeris a helically shaped heat exchanger, at least upon installation in thesoil.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the helically shaped heatexchanger includes a substantially constant radius to a central axis, atleast upon installation in the soil.
 8. The method of claim 6, whereinthe helically shaped heat exchanger includes a variable radius to acentral axis, at least upon installation in the soil.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the variable radius of the helically shaped heatexchanger defines a conically shaped envelope of the helically shapedheat exchanger.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular heatexchanger is provided as a tube set including at least one tube with ashield preinstalled on the tube set.
 11. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising positioning the tubular heat exchanger around a mandrelbefore the screwing of the tubular heat exchanger in the soil with theinstallation apparatus.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thepositioning of the tubular heat exchanger around the mandrel includescoiling a tube set including at least one tube about a tube support ofthe mandrel.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular heatexchanger is screwed directly in the soil with no borehole.
 14. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising predrilling a bore hole butpositioning tubes of the heat exchanger at a radius greater than aradius of the borehole.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the passageof the installation apparatus is pressurized with grout.
 16. A method ofinstalling a tubular heat exchanger in soil, the method comprising:providing the tubular heat exchanger; screwing an installation apparatusin the soil and thereby placing the tubular heat exchanger in the soil;and removing the installation apparatus from the soil without removingthe tubular heat exchanger from the soil; wherein the tubular heatexchanger is provided as a tube set including at least a first tube anda second tube and wherein a return is fluidly connected between thefirst tube and the second tube at a distal end of the tubular heatexchanger; and wherein the return includes a cutting member adapted topenetrate the soil.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the return is aU-shaped return.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the return is anO-shaped return.
 19. A method of installing a heat exchanger in soil,the method comprising: providing the heat exchanger, the heat exchangerdefining a pitch at least when the heat exchanger is installed in thesoil; screwing an installation apparatus in the soil and thereby placingthe heat exchanger in the soil with the installation apparatus, thescrewing including a rotational movement component about an axis, andthe screwing further including a linear movement component about theaxis; and during at least a substantial portion of the screwing,coordinating the rotational movement component and the linear movementcomponent such that the rotational movement component and the linearmovement component are substantially related by the pitch of the heatexchanger; wherein the coordination results, at least in part, by acontrol system monitoring and positioning a linear and a rotationalposition of the installation apparatus.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the heat exchanger is a predominantly tubular heat exchanger.21. The method of claim 19, wherein substantially no screw slip occursbetween the heat exchanger and the soil, at least during the substantialportion of the screwing.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein thecoordination results, at least in part, from flights engaging the soil.23. The method of claim 19, wherein the coordination results, at leastin part, by the control system monitoring and positioning tubes of theheat exchanger within the installation apparatus.
 24. The method ofclaim 23, wherein the tubes are positioned within the installationapparatus, at least in part, by applying pressure to tube holders of theinstallation apparatus.
 25. The method of claim 19, wherein thecoordination results, at least in part, by flights engaging a fixturemounted to the soil.
 26. The method of claim 19, wherein thecoordination results, at least in part, by applying pressure in a centertube of the installation apparatus.
 27. The method of claim 26, whereininjecting grout applies the pressure in the center tube of theinstallation apparatus.
 28. The method of claim 19, wherein thesubstantial portion of the screwing includes inserting the installationapparatus into the soil.
 29. The method of claim 19, wherein thesubstantial portion of the screwing includes removing the installationapparatus from the soil.
 30. A method of installing a heat exchanger insoil, the method comprising: providing the heat exchanger, the heatexchanger defining a pitch at least when the heat exchanger is installedin the soil; screwing an installation apparatus in the soil and therebyplacing the heat exchanger in the soil with the installation apparatus,the screwing including a rotational movement component about an axis,and the screwing further including a linear movement component about theaxis; and during at least a substantial portion of the screwing,coordinating the rotational movement component and the linear movementcomponent such that the rotational movement component and the linearmovement component are substantially related by the pitch of the heatexchanger; wherein the coordination results, at least in part, fromflights of the installation apparatus engaging the soil.
 31. The methodof claim 30, wherein the substantial portion of the screwing includesremoving the installation apparatus from the soil.
 32. The method ofclaim 30, wherein the flights of the installation apparatus engage thesoil via a fixture mounted to the soil.